50 plus Lifestyle communities offer neighbors who are at a similar station in life, maintenance-free living, and a variety of resort-style amenities. The amenities focus on the most popular features, including walking and nature trails, outdoor spaces and water features, tennis and outdoor pools. Some are affiliated with championship golf courses. Others partner with local colleges to provide continuing education programs. And still others have state-of-the-art fitness centers.

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Monday, February 4, 2013

Mike & Susan Master on Living their Best: "Life Now Feels Like Vacation"

If
life is a game, Mike and Susan Master are winning their match. From playing
tennis and traveling to Mike’s law practice and Susan’s volunteer work, this
Main Line pair approaches each day with a sense of enthusiasm that’s magnetic.
And their ‘joie de vivre’ has continued to flourish since moving to Athertyn
two years ago. Read on for their story:

Where is life taking you these days?

Mike: I’m still working part-time
at the Philadelphia
law practice I started over 35 years ago. Susan and I enjoy spending the winter
on the West Coast of Florida. We both
love to sing and participate in small theatre.
Life is all about working, playing tennis and spending time together. We
are very close to our children and grandchildren that live in the area.

Susan: Most recently, I worked as
a hospice bereavement counselor. So it was a natural transition when I began my
volunteer role at Bryn
Mawr Hospital
as ‘Dr. Freckles,’ part of a troupe of caring clowns who visit hospitalized
patients. I decided now that I’m all grown up, it’s time for me to become a
child again!

What made you decide to ‘right-size’ your home?

Mike: We originally had a
three-story home in Narberth. Several years ago we started talking about
changing our lifestyle. How it would be nice to live in a place that was one
level — a place we wouldn’t have to worry about while in Florida. After seeing an ad for Athertyn, we
immediately toured the model homes, which were beautiful. We saw the clubhouse,
the pool and fitness center, and walked around the gorgeous setting. We went
home and said ‘this is where we want to move.’ Within a week we started the
process of selling our home and moving to Athertyn.

Susan: The integrity of Pohlig
impressed me. We did a lot of research and knew of the builder’s reputation for
quality single custom homes. Mike and I attended a ‘Meet the Builder’ as well
as several other events, and with that came a sense that we belonged here.

How does Athertyn complement your pursuits?

Mike: The
amenities at Athertyn fit our lifestyle. We take advantage of the heated pool
as well as the fitness center. We’re looking forward to using the nature trails
more frequently, since we’re adopting a miniature Australian labradoodle this
winter.

How would you describe the Athertyn community?

Susan: The residents here are very
down-to-earth and welcomed us into the community immediately. Many share our
love for travel, recreation and dining out. We also enjoy the informal potluck
get-togethers at the clubhouse and pool.

Mike: Susan and I were initially
wondering if the 55-plus concept would fit our lifestyle. Turns out, we were
pleasantly surprised. Athertyn has incredibly active, vibrant residents — some
of whom are younger than us.

Susan: And there are single women
living here too. I wanted to choose a place where I could remain if something
happened to Mike. There is a sense of community and safety here. Living on my
own and not having to depend on my children is important to me.

What do you especially enjoy about your home?

Mike: We enjoy the coffered
ceilings and hardwood floors, as well as the customized closets. Having a
‘great room’ creates a wonderful flow. Our home is a spacious end-unit with
lots of light and beautiful views of Haverford Reserve. Susan and I feel like
we’re living in a home — not a condo — and our friends agree.

Any sage advice for those thinking about moving?

Susan: If your lifestyle allows
you to travel — then consider a place like this. Look long and hard at how much
room you really need to live the life you want. It’s not for everybody. Some
people still want or need a big home. Although most of the people we’ve met
here were tired of maintaining a large home and chose to downsize.

What’s a good strategy for handling the transition?

Susan: Price your home to sell.
Expect to get what’s reasonable. Since you’ll be ‘right-sizing,’ you’ll have to
decide what furniture to keep. Learn to de-clutter and let go of things. We
hired an organizational expert who helped us adjust by streamlining our
belongings. I’ve simplified my way of life by living here.

How has living at Athertyn changed your life?

Mike: Athertyn is resort living.
Not once have we questioned our decision to move here. It’s just a beautiful place
to call home.

Susan: I’m going to sum it up. In Florida, Mike and I have
this wonderful vacation mentality. And now we’ve found it here too. Yes,
there’s laundry, cooking and all those things…but we have two vacation homes.
And when every day feels like a vacation, you know you’reliving life at its very best!